Althing, or Althingi, is the anglicized name for the Icelandic Parliament, which claims to be the oldest still-active parliament in the world. Althing dates back as far as 930, when an outdoor assembly was held, with leaders from across Iceland coming to discuss policies and offer justice. Anyone who wished was welcome to attend, with large temporary camps popping up near the location of the assembly, where people would stay for the duration. This main assembly was in addition to the smaller, more local ones that happened regularly throughout the year.
When Iceland came under the rule of the Norwegian King in the 13th century, the Althing continued, albeit with a slightly different function. Policies were no longer decided their, as absolute authority rested with the king, although suggestions could be made, and the king could ask for input from the Althing. When absolute monarchy was introduced in Denmark, the Icelandic Althing (since Iceland was now under Danish rule) existed almost solely to serve justice until the 19th century.
Though the Althing was disbanded in 1800 (by Danish royal decree) and reinstated just under half a century later, the institution is regarded as being almost continuous, as a High Court was established in its place. The High Court, which became the Supreme Court of Iceland much later, took over the serving of justice, exactly as the Althing had been doing in recent years. The Althing was reinstated in 1843, and began to more closely resemble its original incarnations and purposes – officials were elected, and policies were discussed, much like those original meetings from 930.
History @ Aber 